Samen Underground City

The Samen Underground City is one of the most unique and historic archaeological sites in Iran. It lies southwest of Malayer County in Hamadan Province, hidden beneath the current urban fabric of the town of Samen. The complex, estimated to cover about three hectares, was discovered entirely by chance in 1384 (2005) during cable-laying work, after which archaeological and restoration teams began excavating and studying it. The underground city dates back to the Parthian period or even earlier, and with its hand-carved structure in the bedrock, it is considered one of the finest examples of underground architecture in Iran. In addition to hand-carved rooms and corridors, the site has also yielded skeletons and other historical remains, which point to its many uses over time.

Studies show that the Samen Underground City was originally used as a religious or burial site, and later also served as housing and a place of refuge. The complex includes dozens of rooms, winding corridors, entrances, cellars and ritual spaces, all carved into the rock with simple tools and astonishing precision. The architecture, the layout of the spaces and the natural ventilation design of this underground city bear witness to advanced engineering knowledge in ancient Iran. So far, more than 25 rooms and several corridors have been identified, some containing human skeletons and historical objects, which indicates that these spaces were used continuously throughout history as tombs, shelters, or for religious and social purposes. The complex structure and hand-carved architecture of the underground city point to an advanced civilization that clearly needed safe spaces for living, protecting its people and coping with times of crisis.

To reach the Samen Underground City from the city of Malayer, simply head southwest of the county toward the town of Samen until you reach the discovered entrances of the complex; local roads and tourist signposts will guide you to the site. The best time to visit this historic site is from spring to autumn, as the weather is more favorable for walking outdoors and through the open sections of the carved spaces. During your visit, following the principles of heritage protection and responsible nature tourism is essential to preserving this valuable heritage: do not touch the stone structures unnecessarily, keep the ancient spaces peaceful, and do not leave litter around or inside the complex.